Northampton, 2012-Apr-02
The behind-the-scenes tour will showcase the technology and dedicated maintenance team behind the 67-strong fleet of London Midland-operated Siemens Desiro Class 350/1 and 350/2 trains based at the Kings Heath site.
Lucky visitors will take a ride on a land train to the depot entrance before the tour, which includes seeing a train on jacks ready for maintenance activities and a chance to sit in a driver’s cab. The winner of our competition to name the four maintenance teams based at the depot will also be announced, and visitors can also show off their artistic skills with our family-friendly activities.
Mick Hill, fleet manager for Siemens, says: “This is the first time since the site opened in 2006 that we’ve opened the doors to the public. We’re very much looking forward to showing local families and residents the innovation behind the millions of miles our trains run every year.”
This free event also aims to raise money in aid of Northampton General Hospital’s special care baby unit with stalls selling items donated by Siemens and London Midland employees.
Mike Dalton at London Midland says: "This will be a real opportunity for people to see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in providing rail services. The fact that the event will also be raising money for such a special cause is even better reason for people to visit."
Alison McCulloch, Community Fundraiser at the NGH Charitable Fund says: “We’re delighted to be part of this family event, the proceeds of which will help us purchase some new equipment to benefit the babies being treated on Gosset Ward at the hospital. I hope everyone has a great time!”
The event is restricted to ticket holders only. To register your interest for a tour and obtain your FREE ticket, please visit www.siemens.co.uk/whistlestoptour. Please note children younger than three years of age cannot be accepted on the tours. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/WhistleStopTour.
Due to high demand, a second open day is also being arranged specifically for train enthusiasts and employees of both Siemens and London Midland. A date for this will be announced shortly.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Press are welcome to attend the event and should contact Caroline Holt using the details below to obtain a place.
About Siemens
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 169 years ago and now employs 12,972 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £4.4 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk. * Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
As part of the Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector, Siemens Rail Systems Division provides expertise and technology in the full range of rail vehicles – from heavy rail to metros to trams and light-rail vehicles.
In the UK, the Division employs around 650 people and currently maintains 384 Siemens passenger trains for: First TransPennine Express (51 x class 185), South West Trains (45 x class 444, 127 x class 450), Heathrow Express (5x class 360/2, 14 x class 332), Greater Anglia (21 x class 360), Northern Rail (16 x class 333, London Midland (30 class x 350/1, 37 x class 350/2) and ScotRail (38 x class 380).
For further press information, please contact:
For Siemens
Caroline Holt
Communications Manager
Siemens plc
+ 44 (0)7921 244635
caroline.holt@siemens.com
For London Midland
Mike Dalton
External Relations Manager
+ 44 (0)7528 982170
mike.dalton@londonmidland.com
